Kubiak on rookie Montgomery: ‘He has a long way to go’

There was a rare sighting of rookie outside linebacker Sam Montgomery on the field this morning.

Montgomery, a third-round pick from LSU, has struggled since he reported for the offseason program. He didn’t impress the coaches during the rookie minicamp, OTAs or three-day minicamp. He showed up out of shape for the rookie conditioning program. Then he suffered an ankle sprain in the first practice.

Montgomery has been trying to learn the defense in meetings and by watching the other linebackers at practice.

“I know he did a little bit today,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s just behind. It’s going to take some time, and we’re trying to work him through the soreness of his ankle sprain. Obviously, he’s not going to be a part of what we’re doing this week. I may be premature in saying that, but he has a long way to go.”

In other words, Montgomery won’t be playing in the preseason opener at Minnesota.